Neuer hoping for Thiago stay

 

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer hopes Thiago Alcantara will stay with the German champions beyond the season, describing him as "our engine in midfield".

The midfielder - who has one year left on his Bayern contract - has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool of late. 

Photo: Getty

And with Bayern to face Chelsea in their last-16 Champions League second leg tomorrow, Neuer insists he hopes it won't be one of the Spaniard's last for the club.

"I hope that it won't be one of the last matches of Thiago," Neuer said.

"He had to undergo surgery at the end of the season but now he's back and 100 per cent. He's a very valuable player for us, especially in ball possession. He's very important for us. He's our engine in midfield actually."